Ryan Sandes (Photo by Nick Muzik)

Izimvo has the great honour of introducing running phenomenon: Ryan Sandes.

Ryan’s amazing story begins in 2006 when he finished in the top 20 of his first ever marathon: a race which he only entered as an excuse for a party in Knysna. Looking for an adventure, Ryan went on to win every stage of the 2008 Gobi March, a desert race considered as one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. Ryan followed this amazing achievement by winning The Sahara Race and breaking the race record of the 2009 Jungle Marathon.

Ryan’s goal for 2010 is to complete and win every race in the 4 Deserts series. The challenge starts on the 7th March with the Atacama Desert Race in Chile and ends in November with the Last Desert race in Antarctica. “Wandering Fever” is a documentary that will follow Ryan’s attempt at becoming the first person to win all of the 4 Desert Series races.

Named as one of Runners World Magazine’s “Top 5 heroes of running”, along with the likes of Usain Bolt and Haile Gebrselassie, Ryan has cemented his place as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Website: http://www.ryansandes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryan.sandes
Location: Cape Town

Ryan was kind enough to answer the following questions:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Ryan Sandes, 27 years old. Nicknames: Hedgie (from school), more recent is Sandman. Profession: Studied to be a Quantity Surveyor and worked for Faircape Property Developers for two and bit years. Now I am a full-time professional athlete.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: I have a phobia about snakes but this was cured during the Amazon Jungle race. People I most admire are Nelson Mandela, Lance Armstrong and my grandfather. Favorite Food is steak and movie is Snatch. (I do not get to see many movies these days)

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: Hanging out with friends and having a few beers over a braai etc. I struggle do the late night partying these days and it does not fit in with my training. I also enjoying spending time on the beach and try to get a surf in every once in a while. Running in definitely the best way to get away from it all, my only worry is to put my one foot in front of the other.

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I would like to have two homes, one in Cape Town as I think it is the best city in the world and we have it all, mountains, beaches etc. My other home would be more of a holiday home up in the Drakensberg where I could go and train at high altitude and get away from the city life.

This question has been proudly sponsored by Private Property – Looking for the ultimate apartment in Cape Town. Look no further! Take a look at the virtual tours of this amazing R13.9m V & A Marina apartment. Simply stunning.

Long-Distance Running

Winning the Sahara Race 2008 (Photo by 4deserts.com)

Q: Tell us about how you go from the Knysna marathon in 2006 to winning every stage of the 2008 Gobi Desert race, a seven-day event considered to be one of the toughest endurance races on the planet?

A: Running the Knysna marathon was more of an excuse to go up to Knysna and have a party than any thing else – I would have run the half but entries had closed. The feeling of fulfillment I had after completing the Knysna Marathon hooked me. Before I knew it I was spending my weekends on the trails instead of all night parties with my friends. I am one for extremes and after a few local trail races I decided to look for another challenge and stumbled upon the 4 Desert website and the rest is history.

Q: “Wandering Fever” is a film that will follow your attempt at becoming the first person to win all 4 of the RacingThePlanets 4Desert Series races. Tell us about how the movie came about and do you think it will have any impact on your performances?

A: I am good friends with one of the owners of The African Attachment, the film company who is making the documentary. When I told him I was running the Gobi March he asked me why? I did not have an answer… After getting back from the Gobi we discussed making the documentary on why I am participating in these extreme endurance races hence the name “Wandering Fever”. It sounded like a great idea and they have been following me around ever since then. I don’t think the documentary will impact on my performance but hopefully by the end of the 4 Desert series I can explain why I compete in these extreme races.

Q: The 4Desert series ends in Antarctica this November. Besides training in large cold rooms, what are the other main differences in training for cold weather events?

A: When running in hot conditions you have to get your body used to the heat. However in cold conditions if you have the correct clothing and equipment you can insulate your body from the cold. The hardest part is getting used to breathing in cold air and making sure you don’t sweat too much under all the layers of clothing as your sweat freezes and can make life very uncomfortable. So my main challenges will be getting used to breathing in very cold air, making sure I have the right clothing and getting used to running with all the layers on.

Q: Which part of your preparation for an event is the most difficult, the physical or the mental?

A: I would say physical as you have to spend months training for an event, but it is just as important to be mentally fit. However I believe you are either born with mental fitness or it comes from years of racing.

Q: What advice would you offer the 10km runner who has aspirations of completing their first marathon?

A: You have already done all the hard work by getting out there and running 10km races. Increase your distance slowly, never give up and with enough hard work and dedication you will be crossing that marathon finish line before you know it.

Q: What will be the best way for us to follow your progress during the 4Desert series?

A: I will be doing a blog on my website www.ryansandes.com or on the 4 Deserts website www.4deserts.com you can sign up for breaking news and they have all the latest results, videos, pictures etc on the site.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Yes, the crime rate in South Africa is very high and my family and I have had to start being a lot more cautious when it comes to crime. When I was a kid we never locked our doors, hijackings were unheard of etc. But we live in a really beautiful country and after spending lots of time in other countries around the world I believe we have one of the best qualities of life in the world.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: No I never plan to leave South Africa on a permanent basis – proudly South African!

Q: How have you found the perception of South Africa while competing internationally?

A: The first thing most people say when I come from South Africa is…. Nelson Mandela.. I get asked about the crime and safety factor in South Arica a lot but people are also very positive about how beautiful and the potential South Africa has.

Q: South Africa’s greatest athlete is?

A: That’s a hard one…..I would have to say Elana Meyer as in her day she broke National and International records from 5000m up to Marathon distance.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: I am surrounded by mountains; there are some really big sand dunes as well as other types of terrain which make conditions perfect for trail running. It also gets very hot in summer and wet in winter which helps prepare for extreme races. The only thing we don’t have is high altitude.

Q: Favorite restaurant for a lazy Sunday lunch with a group of friends?

A: Caprice in Camps Bay is always very festive on Sunday.

Q: Top 3 train running routes that you would recommend to runners visiting Cape Town?

A: One of my favorite routes is from the Lower Cable Car Station along the pipe track to the “Block House” and back – the route has awesome views of Cape Town CBD and Robben Island and it is a very runner friendly route.

Any trail in the Cape Point Reserve is very cool with loads of wild life and then another favorite trail of mine starts from Suickerb0ssie restaurant up Landudno Ravine and to the Table Mountain dams and then down to Constantia Neck.

General

Q: What are your must-have luxuries that accompany you to every race?

A: An iPod for long waits at the airport, laptop and Salomon relax shoes. These items all get left behind during a multi day race and there are not a lot of I luxuries I take – every second day I treat myself to a stick of Droewors ! My new Oakley Jawbones are super cool and are a must for every race!

Q: You break your races up into shorter distances that you tackle one at a time. Do you apply this tactic to any other aspects of your life?

A: Yes definitely, I apply this tactic to all aspects of my life. When I am really busy I focus on just getting one task done at a time and before I know it everything is done. It helps simplify life and I don’t get stressed out.

Q: Favorite snack after a long training session?

A: A fruit smoothie loaded with whey protein etc.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: “It’s Not About The Bike” and “Every Second Counts” both books are by Lance Armstrong. They are both really inspiring books and show anything is possible with enough determination.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?

A: Lance Armstrong – do you think you can win Ironman Kone (Ironman World Champs)?

We’d like to thank Ryan for taking the time to answer our questions and wish him every success for the future.

The first of the 4 Deserts races, the Atacama Crossing in Chile, starts on the 7th March. Be sure to follow Ryan’s progress on his website and his Facebook page. You can also follow @RacingThePlanet on Twitter for regular updates throughout the series.

Kim van Kets

Izimvo has the great pleasure of introducing trail runner and extreme athlete, Kim van Kets.

Kim has recently completed the 250km, 7 day,  Augrabies Extreme Marathon and is preparing for a 5500km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa in May.

Her husband, Pete, has recently started the Woodvale Challenge crossing the Atlantic Solo. Pete has previously won the challenge as pairs in 2007/8.

Location: East London

Kim was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: (Robyn) Kim van Kets, 37 years old, non practising attorney working (just enough to stay out of the poor-house) as a consultant and corporate trainer. I am self-employed but am associated with Global Business Solutions.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: mmm, I have the worst singing voice in the entire universe and would rather take my kit off than sing in front of an audience. Even my daughter has been known to say “don’t sing, Mama”. Also I am a very bad swimmer and am being coached in secret so that I can stop being too afraid to do the Ironman (ironperson!) The 4km swim has always completely terrified me.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: As bizarre as it may seem, my ultimate getaway is a multi day race like the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon. There is enormous relaxation in the single mindedness of getting up every day and focusing entirely on getting from A to B alive against a beautiful and remote backdrop. No juggling priorities or multi tasking, no interruptions! Bliss!

Q: How would you describe your dream home and where in South Africa would you like it to be?

A: I am quite happy with the house I have. However I did once spot a group of mud and thatch huts on the Transkei Coast near Brazen Head with a thriving mielie field, a full kraal and the best sea view I have ever seen. Peter and I often fantasize about moving there!

This question was proudly sponsored by Private Property

Extreme Adventures

Q: How did you first get into extreme sports?

A: I started road running when I was still at school and had run all of the long road races by the time I finished university and was anxious to “go further”. Also, I hated the crowds and the jostling at the big events. So trail running seemed like the obvious next step – very long races, beautiful and (usually) remote venues without the crowds!

Q: You recently completed the Augrabies Extreme Marathon, a 7 day, 237km race limited to 100 competitors. How did you approach the 2009 event after failing to complete the race in 2008?

A: I was extremely well prepared for the race in 2008 but simply did not handle the extreme heat. Members of the crew measured a temperature of 52′ on the first day in one of the river gorges! By the third day the temperature was still in the high 40′s. I was unable to cool down or stop vomiting and was retired by the race doctor. I was completely devastated and comforted myself by driving home to the E Cape through the night in time to run the 100km Amatola Trail Run.

I was very afraid to try the race a second time but had some demons to lay to rest and couldn’t get it out of my system. I did some things a bit differently in 2009 in that I did some additional core strength training with Caren Williams, I handled my hydration differently, and most of all I didn’t try to race at all – my only aim was to survive (and if possible have fun!) I was very fortunate that (as a result of fervent prayer!) it was cooler in 2009.

Q: Your next challenge is a 5500 km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa. Can you tell us about the preparation and support needed for a challenge of this magnitude?

A: I have spent my whole adult life preparing for this challenge without knowing it. I will continue to train and race as normal during the year with some additional focus on cycling and paddling as well as strength and core. I couldn’t embark on challenge like this without the support of my husband Peter (Peter and my daughter Hannah who is 4 will accompany me on the journey) and some amazing backup crew (hopefully the legendary Calif Coombe and Oscar Miller). I will also have a visionary sponsor which I am not yet at liberty to name. The trip will require an enormous amount of planning and project management over the next 6 months.

Kim and Pete

Q: Your husband, Pete, is currently rowing solo across the Atlantic in the Woodvale Challenge. How did you meet and were you both extreme athletes at the time?

A: We met in Cape Town 11 years ago. We were both athletes who liked to push ourselves, but have probably become more extreme with age and with each other’s support.

Q: As a mother, legal consultant, corporate trainer and an extreme athlete, what advice would you offer parents wanting to continue with their sports after having children?

A: If your sport is your passion you will find the time to fit it in. It is certainly not easy, but I have run at 4am and at 10 pm with a headlamp, I have run round and round a rugby field until I am quite dizzy, with Hannah lying in the middle on a blanket. I have run up and down sand dunes with her in a backpack and in an off-road pram. It’s certainly not easy but it can be done. Things are easier now that I have flexibility in my job – for years I worked for a large corporate with no flexibility at all.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: No, I live in an area where I leave my car unlocked and my front door open.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: I honestly havent considered leaving, this is my home. I am passionate about South Africa and its people. There is a reckless courage and optimism here that I have never experienced anywhere else in the world.

Q: If you were given the opportunity of sitting down with the president, what advice would you offer him?

A: I would suggest he spent a lot of time on his knees praying for wisdom! I certainly don’t envy him his job!

Q: South Africa’s greatest export is?

A: Its people, its sense of humour, its wine!

Life in East London

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: It is the perfect playground for extreme sport and adventure racing. I train on beautiful farms, pristine beaches and spectacular estuaries and am surrounded by the wonderfully warm, generous and down to earth people.

Kim and daughter Hannah

Q: What are the must-visit places in or around Cape Town for families with young children?

A: Murambi Tea Garden, Lavendar Blue, Tea in the Trees and Yekelela. And obviously all the great beaches!

Q: Favorite restaurant for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch with the family?

A: Cintsa West Pub.

General

Q: A single piece of advice for anyone looking to set out on an extreme adventure?

A: Remember to have fun – its more important than winning! Make sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and equip yourself with the basic gear.

Q: Favorite snack after a long training session?

A: Masses of homemade cottage pie.

Q: One book that you would make required reading for all matric pupils?

A: Frontiers written by Mostert. It’s a magnificent history of SA which would make for a lot more understanding and tolerance.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

Q: In the cabin of Nyamezela (my husband’s boat, currently n the middle of the Atlantic). I would like to go home immediately after breakfast though! I prefer the edges of oceans to their middles.

Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you like to ask them?

A: Ryan Sands.  How on earth do you run that fast?

We’d like to thank Kim for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for her next challenge, a 5500km run, cycle and paddle around the perimeter of South Africa.

David Grier

Izimvo has the privilege of introducing inspirational speaker, celebrity chef and extreme adventurer, David Grier

David, 49, has recently completed the first ever joint continuous run of the Great Wall of China, some 4000km in 98 days, as well as the first continuous run of the coast of South Africa.

He is currently preparing for the Madagascar 2010 Challenge where he plans to kayak 700km to Madagascar, run 3000km up the center of the island and then kite board and kayak 1200km back to South Africa.

Website: http://www.davidgrier.co.za
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DavidGrier
Facebook: David-Grier
Location: Cape Town

David was kind enough to answer the following questions for us:

Personal

Q: The all important personal profile. How would a close friend introduce you at a social event? i.e. Name, age, company, interesting fact etc.

A: Born in the summer of 60, weened on the outdoors open space and often in earshot of the ocean. Father of 4 children, my inspiration. A chef by profession, extreme adventurer by chance, as one day someone left the kitchen door open and the rest just keeps on unfolding. Through an overload of life changing experiences brought on by adventure, the only way that I could share them was to write about them as they unfolded, this has now culminated into 2 books. I now spend a lot of time traveling the country and sharing my inspirational stories with corporates.

Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite movie.

A: Heights just seem to get to me, normally when I least need it. But if I look at things that spook me when I am out there, there is normally a warning sign attached.

If I think back as a chef I have this recurring nightmare which always happens during season time. Picture me standing at the door of my kitchen looking into the restaurant. I only have 1 frying pan in my hand things are going ballistic, the whole restaurant is full of people who on seeing me all stand up and start shouting I want food, I want food, I just can’t cope and the pressure is on.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?

A: To drive out-of-town and head up the coast to my folks farm at Stanford on the kleinriver. A quiet tranquil private nature reserve, just us.

Extreme Adventures

Q: What do you think sets you and other extreme adventurers apart from us “normal” folk?

A: I don’t see myself different to any one else, but i do believe that as an individual I am driven by a passion to make a difference. If I look at extreme adventure, it is a mind-set of self belief that is key to success, Adventure is a mental journey and needs massive preparation.

Q: You recently run the length of the Great Wall of China, an amazing 4200km in 98 days. What were the greatest lessons that you took away from the experience?

A: My journey along the Great Wall of China, achieving a world first record-breaking run of the entire length of the great wall. Pushing my body to the limit. Reaching deep into the inner strength of my mind.

Through this run I had to deal with life threatening situations and life changing decisions, ultimately realizing that in order to continue with my journey I had to embrace change and evolve.

I found out how important it is to be able to change as we travel our personal journeys through life to ultimately meet with success. We all have this ability, but must make that personal commitment to want to embrace change in order to move forward.

Q: Your next challenge is a solo run of the island of Madagascar with a few “twists”. Can you tell us about these twists and how you came about them?

A: Starting on 1 December in Pemba, Mozambique the multi-discipline, four-month event will see me kayak 700km across to Madagascar where after I will run the approximately 3000km up the centre of the island to the northern tip of Madagascar, before kite surfing and paddling the 1200km distance back to South Africa.

I decided on a multi discipline event as I wanted to involve aspects that would challenge me in a different way. The ocean has always played a massive part in my life from a young age, it’s intrigued me, yet terrified me and has my utmost respect. By including the paddle and kite, I feel this will be my most difficult challenge yet as they are both relatively new sports to me so I am going to have to dig really deep as I’ve already experienced in training.

Q: Which part of your preparation for an adventure is most difficult, the physical or the mental?

A: The two are intertwined, from good physical preparation comes mental strength by knowing that you can physically handle what lies ahead. But the mental resolve will pull you through, knowing that you are capable but you have to dig deep on a daily basis, the longer the event carries on the more difficult it is to remain focused, and to keep grinding on daily as your body becomes depleted and weaker.

Q: Which historical expedition impresses you the most?

A: What amazes me about historic expeditions is how the adventurers managed with the gear they had , clothing that was basic, navigation and lack of communication.There are two that stand out and that is the polar crossing and Everest – men of steel.

Life in South Africa

Q: Have you or any of your immediate family been affected by crime? If yes, has it changed your perception of the country and the way you and your family live your lives?

A: Crime is a global problem and experienced wherever one goes. It touches ones life, yes but there are far more positive things that we as a family have been through and more importantly look for and associate with – I feel its up to you as an individual to look for the positive side of each day – come on, I am so “Gatvoll” on negativity.

Q: Have you ever considered emigration? If yes, where do you think you would emigrate to?

A: No I have not, but I do love traveling and experiencing life in other countries and cultures. If I had to emigrate, I would take a return ticket to Cape Town.

Q: If you were South African president for just one day, what would you change?

A: I have no magic solution, but communication and accountability to the people who put me there would be a start. Install a simple value of respect.

Q: To which three attractions would you first take an international visitor?

A: The drive from Gordon’s bay to Betties Bay, The view from Blaauwberg to Cape town. The view down the valley from th top of Franschoek pass.

Life in Cape Town

Q: What are the benefits of living in Cape Town for an extreme athlete?

A: There is the mountain to run on. The constant changing weather conditions for different training simulations, the ocean to kayak and kite in. Importantly, they all right next to each other. Then there is the sport science institute for the specialist training sessions.

Q: As a celebrity chef, which Capetonian would you most like to cook for? Which venue would you select for the occasion?

A: My Wife Lizelle for a Crayfish braai on the edge of Robben Island looking back at Cape Town.

Q: When not cooking yourself, where do enjoy going for the perfect Sunday lazy lunch?

A: The Foodbarn in Noordhoek Village or a simple lunch at Polana in Kalk Bay.

General

Q: A single piece of advice for anyone looking to set out on an extreme adventure?

A: Look at the risk and prepare well.

Q: Favorite South African sporting moment of the last 10 years?

A: There is a recurring one. Seeing the pride and joy in the fans eyes when south Africa succeeds.

Q: Where would you like to wake up tomorrow?

A: Right where I am.

A massive thank you to David for finding the time in his training schedule to answer our questions. We wish David God-speed for his Madagascar Challenge and look forward to following his progress with great interest.